Warner Bros. Discovery names Mark Thompson CEO and chairman of CNN

Mark Thompson is stepping in as the next CEO and chairman of CNN.

Parent company Warner Bros. Discovery said Wednesday it appointed Thompson as the next leader of the cable news network, a few short months after the ouster of Chris Licht.

A 40-year news veteran, Thompson previously served as CEO and president of The New York Times from 2012 to 2020, as well as director-general of the BBC from 2004 to 2012.

"There isn't a more experienced, respected or capable executive in the news business today than Mark, and we are thrilled to have him join our team and lead CNN Worldwide into the future," said David Zaslav, chief executive officer of Warner Bros. Discovery, in a news release on Wednesday.

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